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Houdini Digital Assets play a big role in many Houdini workflows. You can create tools to build streamlined workflows for your team. Wrap up a larger network into a single digital asset node then build an artist-friendly interface. Learn how you can do this by leveraging Houdini’s node based workflow and dragging and dropping parameters instead of writing code. Along the way you will build up a fence asset that can be controlled by an input curve.
Project Files
1 | Introduction to HDAs
Learn what a Houdini Digital Asset is and how it can be created to streamline workflows in your studio. Then create a simple chain asset that is controlled by an external curve. Learn how to promote parameters and build a simple user interface for the tool.
2 | Create Digital Assets
Start with an existing network that builds a section of a fence then package up the nodes into a Houdini Digital Asset. Learn how to save the asset to disk and how to add your first parameter using the Type Properties panel.
3 | Create Parameters
Learn different ways to add parameters to the interface of your asset. Learn about different types of parameters and how to set up defaults and slider ranges. Dive deeper into the Type Properties panel to learn how to refine each parameter.
4 | Create Toggles and Menus
Sometimes you want to simply toggle an option on or off or choose from a menu of options. Learn how these kinds of interface elements can be added to your digital asset. Under the surface these are switch nodes that you control using toggles and menus.
5 | Add Random Scale and Rotation
To add a more organic look to the fence, you will use random scale and rotation to adjust the look of each plank. Learn how to prepare this at the network level then promote the right parameters to give you control in the digital asset’s interface.
6 | Create Ramps
To define the shape of the fence planks, you can use a ramp parameter. This offers a visual interface for creating the look of the fence. You can also use ramps to add color to the fence. These provide a great technique for adding control to your asset.
7 | Structure the Interface
To make your asset’s interface easy to work with, learn how to add folders, tabs and separators to the parameter layout. Again you can do this using a drag and drop approach. You will also learn how to disable or hide parameters based on simple expressions.
8 | Add Inputs
To create a longer fence, you will add an input for a curve that will determine the shape of the enclosure. Learn how to set up inputs and hook them up to work with your asset. This gives the artist another way to determine the output of your digital asset.
9 | Use Guides
When using a digital asset it can be helpful to display guides that show important information to help the artist determine if the tool is working properly. You can create a branch in the network and set that up as a guide that is only visible when using the tool but is not part of the final output of the node.

CREATED BY

Simon_V
SIMON VERSTRAETE

Simon is a tech Artist that loves building procedural tools and assets. By adding more and more procedural approaches to his workflow, he is able to build 3D models with speed and flexibility. During his studies at Digital Arts and Entertainment, he taught himself how to work with Houdini. After his studies, he started working on Ary and the Secret of Seasons at eXiin. Currently he is a Houdini freelancer and focuses on creating procedural content.

More from Simon Verstraete

COMMENTS

  • sans_comic 3 years, 8 months ago  | 

    Thought I should bring to your notice that Part 4 of this tutorial series has not been uploaded to YouTube, it's missing there. Thanks to everyone involved for creating it and making it available. Best wishes and good luck.

    • Alex92PK 2 years, 11 months ago  | 

      This is super rewarding to complete! Feels like i make a huge progress to understand houdini! in love with digital assets now! thanks!

      • djfite97 2 years, 11 months ago  | 

        Great lessons. Learned a lot here!

        • rrAlexandru_Muresan 2 years, 4 months ago  | 

          I am watching this right now on youtube, it's awesome! Great job guys!

          • zhouyustudio 6 months, 3 weeks ago  | 

            Nice Tutorial

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